VOTERS in the Labour stronghold of Leigh stuck to what they knew best last night and plumped for local lad Andy Burnham.

The Labour candidate and former special advisor to Culture Secretary Chris Smith beat nearest rival Conservative Andrew Oxley by a 16,362 majority.

Mr Burnham, who has fond memories growing up in Leigh, was delighted with his first General Election result after succeeding retired MP Laurence Cunliffe.

But it was poor turnout for the constituency - almost 16 per cent down on the last election's 65.69 per cent.

Mr Burnham hoped he could counteract voter apathy by appealing to younger voters in the future.

He said: ''Being a younger candidate I hope I can reach out to younger voters and get them out to vote.

''That is something I would really like to address.''

But he added: ''I make no bones about it. I'm absolutely delighted. I'm a local lad and throughout the campaign I've been able to make the most of my family and friends in the community.''

In Makerfield Cabinet minister Ian McCartney kicked Tory rivals into touch, gaining his fourth term with a healthy 17,750 majority.

He dealt a crushing blow to nearest Conservative adversary Jane Brooks who mustered just 6,129.

Low turnout

A turnout down 15 per cent on the last election was the only dampener on Mr McCartney's victory.

Mr McCartney said: ''The people of Wigan and people right across the country have given a resounding endorsement of the Labour Party and our record of investing in public services, running a stable economy and providing opportunity for all.

''Tonight has seen the biggest disaster imaginable for the Tories. They are right back where they started from in 1997 - out of touch, extreme and unelectable.''

Over in nearby Wigan, Labour's sitting MP Neil Turner came away with a 13,743 majority.

A triumphant Mr Turner said: ''Tonight's result is in recognition of the work Labour has done.

''By returning us to office the British people are giving us a chance to build on that good work and strive to towards a more inclusive society.

''In a few years time we hope to be talking about Labour's children not Thatcher's children.''